Wahid Ooi, Author at BikesRepublic.com

EXCLUSIVE: How Helmets are Officially Imported into Malaysia

There are formal procedures in importing helmets into Malaysia for distribution and sales.
This was why the Customs Department warned against self-importation.
The procedures are centred around motorcycle helmets being safety related items.

What started it all?

We posted an article some time back after a Royal Malaysian Customs Department poster was spotted at an airport.

The poster had warned that helmets without prior approval from the Road Transport Depart Malaysia (better known as “JPJ”) or SIRIM, and without the UN 22.05 (ECE 22.05) and/or SIRIM MS1 standard will be detained or confiscated outright.

(Please click on the link below for the full article.)

Malaysian Customs Dept May Confiscate Your Helmet

That warning is specifically catered to travelers, but there are cases where individuals carry more than one helmet into the country. The Customs Department suspects that the helmets are for distribution and sales.

Moving away from that subject, let’s see how helmets are officially imported into Malaysia. To do so, we met with our long-time helmet partner, HJC Helmet Malaysia for further clarifications.

Mr. Ben Ng, Director of NKS Distributors (KL) Sdn. Bhd. They are the official HJC importer and distributor in Malaysia

Why are imported helmets regulated?

Helmet importation isn’t as simple as ordering the desired models then paying taxes when they arrive at the seaport or airport.

That we find is because many are unaware that helmets are considered safety items. “Motorcycle helmets pertain to safety and are therefore controlled items,” said the now-retired Director of JPJ’s Technical Department when we met him three years ago.

Being controlled items means that their importation needs to be regulated.

The Procedures

These steps are a summary of what’s required. There are many more intricate details that we left out because it’ll result in an article that’s way too long.

STEP 1

The importer, in this case HJC Helmet Malaysia (HJC MY), chooses the models they wish to distribute. For ease of this article, let’s pick one model say the new HJC i70.

HJC MY then prepares the set of documents with the help of the HJC headquarters in South Korea. The documents must state the specifications of the helmet i.e. material, and dimensions such as eyeport size, etc. Since the model was approved under the ECE 22.05 regulation, the manufacturer must also state which lab in which country approved it. TÜV Rheinland in Cologne, Germany carries out the tests for HJC helmets.

HJC MY is also required to provide one piece of the HJC i70 to JPJ for vetting.

STEP 2

HJC MY then hands over the documents to the JPJ’s Technical Department for vetting.

Additionally, HJC MY also needs to furnish the distributor’s details, model and its specifications, quantity to be imported.

The JPJ Officers will then vet through the documents by getting in touch with TÜV Rheinland, or other labs if other components such as the faceshield was tested somewhere else.

The important thing here is to establish that the HJC i70 was indeed tested in the same specifications and obtained the ECE 22.05 certification.

Once fully verified, JPJ will issue a Supporting Letter (Surat Sokongan) to HJC MY.

STEP 3

HJC MY then brings the Supporting Letter to the Royal Malaysian Customs Department. The Customs grants the importation and HJC MY pays the duties and taxes.

JPJ Warning

The JPJ has warned before that the “JPJ Approved” or “Diluluskan oleh JPJ” sticker is not allowed on imported helmets, despite the department’s approval of importation. Please take note!

Other points

As you can probably see, JPJ and SIRIM doesn’t allow exclusively DOT certified helmets into Malaysia. That’s because the DOT certification omits and has a different certification pathway compared to ECE 22.05 helmets. However, helmet is allowed if it has both DOT and ECE 22.05 certifications.

There are also officially imported helmets with both ECE 22.05 and SIRIM MS1 standards. This is unique to Arai helmets (as far as we know), as the Arai headquarters in Japan requires that every model imported to undergo local certification in every country they are imported into. Hence, SIRIM in Malaysia.

We’ll touch more on the different standards in a future article.

How does this affect you and I?

For one, we don’t have to sweat it about buying our helmets from overseas, and risking it being confiscated. The approvals and taxes have been settled by the importer.

Also, we can relax when stopped by a JPJ Officer at a roadblock. We can request that he checks with his superiors or the importer that the helmet was brought through legit channels.

Aprilia Central Riding Club (ACRC) and Desmo Owners Club Malaysia (DOCM) Celebrate Italian Kinship

The Aprilia Central Riding Club (ACRC) and Desmo Owners Club Malaysia (DOCM) held a “live” MotoGP viewing to celebrate their Italian motorcycle kinship.
Together, they watched the Czech MotoGP over the weekend.
On another note, Didi Resources is offering a special Service Clinic and Merdeka Campaign to Aprilia owners.

The Aprilia Central Riding Club (ACRC) and Desmo Owners Club Malaysia (DOCM) celebrate their Italian motorcycle kinship – or brotherhood, if you will – for the “live” viewing of the Czech MotoGP over the weekend.

Motorcycle brand loyalty can manifest in fierce tribalism, meaning loving whoever is riding the same brand while eschewing others. It’s not something bad per se, because it’s one of our basic human instinct to protect the clan we live in. (That’s the central theme of post-apocalyptic shows such as “The Walking Dead.”)

So, it’s definitely something to celebrate when ACRC and DOCM got together as one large biker community.

“The love for Italian motorcycles is something we all cherish. In this gathering organized by Shell, we gather our brothers and sisters from Aprilia to join us the Ducati Owners for MotoGP viewing to support our Italian race teams,” mentioned Gaddaffi Shazalli, Vice President of Desmo Owners Club Malaysia.

According to Juan Chow Wee, General Manager of Didi Resources Sdn. Bhd. (the official importer and distributor of Aprilia motorcycles in Malaysia), “To further strengthen the ownership experience, our doors are always open to various owner clubs to foster greater relationship among bikers and we believe the best biking lifestyle is from owners themselves.”

Juan also added that “listening to our customers” goes beyond just selling motorcycles. “As such, Didi Resources just rolled out a special Service Clinic and Merdeka Campaign for for Aprilia owners. We are offering the original factory oil filter at just RM10, and other important parts like brake pads and air filter at special prices.”

(Please refer to our article pertaining to this campaign.)

“We always believe in listening to our customers as they are important in improving how we do business, and today we roll out an after sales program to further reduce ownership cost and to ensure our owners get the best from our network in terms of quality.”

2019 Yamaha YZF-R25 Test & Review – “The Sweet Handler”

The 2019 Yamaha YZF-R25 takes a cue from the YZF-R6 and YZF-R1 for its styling.
The updated suspension gives the bike much better handling.
However, the frame and engine remain the same.

We wondered how we’d receive the 2019 Yamaha YZF-R25 when we picked it up from Hong Leong Yamaha Motor in Sungai Buloh.

After all, the 2019 R25 is cosmetically new while retaining the same engine and frame. The front forks are now upside-down, but basically that’s it.

That’s until we rode it.

Styling

The Yamaha YZF-R6/YZF-R1 inspired styling certainly gave the bike a fresher look in the bike’s mid-lifespan (wish that could happen with humans).

The fairing looks simple in pictures but there are some pretty nifty details to admire. Additionally, it gives the look of a larger bike. The fuel tank was certainly updated and looked like it was lifted off the YZF-R1M.

Yamaha retained the styling of the old bike for the tailsection.

Instrumentation, electrics

There is a new LCD screen embedded behind the windscreen. It’s not exactly elegant but it provides the necessary data in an easy to read manner.

The headlamps have gone fully-LED.

Riding the 2019 Yamaha YZF-R25

It turned out that the forks aren’t merely there to look good. Yamaha seemed to have set the handlebars slightly more forward and down, which translated to a sportier poise. The previous YZF-R25 may look sporty, but it put the rider in a straight-up position.

We were surprised at how much better the new bike steers now. With more weight on the front wheel, there was better stability in mid-corner. Front tyre feedback and damping improved a lot as well.

The fuel tank helped a lot in cornering too. The edges supported our forearms much better when we hung off in corners.

We were surprised to find that the rear shock’s damping rate was revised as well. The old bike’s shock tended to squat and rebound, but the 2019 bike’s rear end stayed planted.

So now, you could really just pin the throttle slam the bike through fast corners with more confidence.

The engine’s character remains the same since it’s unchanged. Revs pick up progressively until the tachometer hits 6,500 RPM, pointing towards a fatter midrange rather than top-end power.

Speaking about power, perhaps Yamaha would draw more performance from the engine in the future. But we’ll have to see.

Conclusion

The 2019 Yamaha YZF-R25 is one handsome bike and handles pretty good. We would retain the frame and chassis if were building a Frankenstein 250cc bike. The engine needs more top-end rush but the midrange torque makes the bike easier to live with during the daily commute.

New Triumph Tiger Caught Undergoing Tests

A new Triumph Tiger was caught undergoing tests recently.
The new bike looks new altogether.
It should be unveiled at EICMA in November, at the earliest.

A new Triumph Tiger was caught undergoing tests recently.

It’s no secret that our favourite bikes include the Triumph Tiger 800 lineup (the 800 XRx and 800 XCx). The current third generation family features more than 300 revisions and new components from their predecessor, making it not only the best adventure bikes, but among the best of all motorcycles we’ve ever ridden.

We wondered what how Triumph could improve on the second generation during the third generation’s launch and we wonder again now as the fourth generation is being tested.

Well, the pictures (credit to RideApart.com) shows a bike which seems to be completely reworked, possibly from the ground up!

There are rumours circulating that the engine will be bumped up to 900cc. Such “displacement creed” is inevitable, given the new and more restrictive Euro5 regulations on emissions. Adhering to the current displacement would mean loss of performance. Also, Triumph’s rivals such as BMW Motorrad and now Moto Guzzi have introduced 850cc models into this highly competitive segment.

Let’s go back to the pictures. The styling retains the Tiger 800 DNA but the front has been made smaller, but the flanks around the fuel tank remain. Check out the new radiator shrouds.

We reckon the bike to be the flagship XCa configuration. The front Brembo brakes calipers and suspension definitely look high end.

Moving backwards, the whole bike seemed to have been revised.

The frame looks new and so does the subframe. The passenger footpeg looks more elegant and are attached to the subframe via bolts, rather than being welded on. That’s great news for off-road riders!

The seats look flatter and hopefully they are Triumph Comfort Seats. Those are the best in the ADV world. That passenger grab rail is huge and is a welcomed feature, especially if you install hard luggage and need to push the bike around.

Its tail end also has a new styling, breaking away from the dual vertical brake light tradition.

Moving downwards, the exhaust silencer looks similar to the current one but it certainly looks bigger on this bike. Remember, Euro5 doesn’t only put a cap on engine emissions but also noise. A bigger silencer er… silences better.

The swingarm is likewise new – the most visible feature being that slot. The rear brake caliper’s mounting is also different. The rear shock’s linkage remains the same for a more progressive damping characteristic.

Well, that’s as much conclusion as we could draw from a few photographs. The new Triumph Tiger ought to be unveiled at EICMA in November, earliest.

Source: RideApart

GIVI Malaysian Adventure 2019 Day 8 – GIVI Rimba Raid Rumbles the Jungle

Day 8 of the GIVI Malaysian Adventure 2019 was scheduled to coincide with the GIVI Rimba Raid at Janda Baik 2019 from the very start.
It was GIVI’s second year of involvement with Rimba Raid.
The overworked GIVI and Rimba Raid crews did a superb job to prepare the event.

Day 8 of the GIVI Malaysian Adventure 2019 was scheduled to coincide with the GIVI Rimba Raid at Janda Baik 2019 from the very start.

There were a number of reasons for this. Firstly, it was the second edition of Rimba Raid with GIVI’s participation. Secondly, it was a great opportunity for the GIVI Explorers to witness the event first hand. Thirdly, it was GIVI’s 25^thanniversary in Malaysia.

Rimba Raid has definitely grown from a hobbyist event set up by Dato’ Capt. Nik Huzlan just 5 years ago. Whereas last year’s GIVI Rimba Raid at Mat Daling drew in 105 competitors from 11 countries, this year’s had to be capped at 150 participants from 16 countries.

The overworked crews from Rimba Raid and GIVI had set up the event areas at Rimba Valley Motorcamp, ILMU and flag-off point extensively by the time we arrived from the National Elephant Sanctuary at Kuala Gandah.

Like at Mat Daling, the competitors convoyed to the flag-off area a short distance away from ILMU. There, they were let loose one at a time by Dato’ Capt. Nik, Joseph Perucca, and On Hai Swee.

We then rode to the finish line at Kampung GIVI at the Rimba Valley Motorcamp. The GIVI Malaysian Adventure marshals helped to ride our bikes in. It’s a much better solution rather than convoying in en masse on the dirt road as there was heavy traffic going in and coming out of the area.

We had spent about an hour at the flag-off point for pictures and such. The first finishers including Gabit Saleh, Bee Wong, Alex Wong and a few more were already at the parc ferme. (You guys are crazy!)

GIVI’s envoy in the race, ex-Dakar racer Jeremias Israel was there, too. However, it was a heartache for him and us GIVI Explorers as he crashed the specially-prepared Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE and retired. He had swerved to avoid a course marshal and went down hard. Thankfully, he was unhurt. It was hard to see the disappointment on his face. But that’s racing.

The Explorers had a great time mingling around with the riders and were moving about everywhere snapping pictures and selfies. Remember, the GIVI Explorers were from 14 countries so those images are circulated around the world.

At lunchtime, GIVI arranged for a number of dirtbikes for the Explorers to ride to a farm. The smiles under their helmets were very visible as soon as they got on! They were led by four marhsals, including one lady.

The farm consists of a few fish rearing ponds and the Explorers got right into fishing mode. Everyone caught one. GIVI somehow managed to convince the Rebung Restaurant to serve lunch in the jungle, so we ate while watching race competitors blast by.

We went back to Kampung GIVI to follow the rest of the race. Evidently, the course was much harder this time. Only 17 of 40 Class A competitors completely the race. A Thai rider nursed his cut hand and almost-destroyed bike back to the finish line and then shouted for the medic like in war movies. He actually finished fourth overall!

We stayed until the prize-giving ceremony. Dato’ Capt. Nik commended all those who joined regardless of where they finished.

I guess we could say that joining GIVI Rimba Raid itself was a personal victory in itself for each participant.

The Explorers were entertained not only by a basker band, but also by Sam Sharman who worked the mike and Joseph Perucca who played percussions!

GIVI Rimba Raid will definitely be bigger next year. GIVI’s white and red together with Rimba Raid’s green and yellow logos are now synonymous with each other, working symbiotically rather than merely alongside each other.

Let’s hope the adventure continues.

Please click on this link for our report on GIVI Rimba Raid at Janda Baik 2019.

Please click on this link for GIVI Malaysian Adventure 2019 Day Seven.

Please click on this link for GIVI Malaysian Adventure 2019 Day Six.

Please click on this link for GIVI Malaysian Adventure 2019 Days Four and Five.

Please click on this link for GIVI Malaysian Adventure 2019 Day Three.

Please click on this link for GIVI Malaysian Adventure 2019 Kick Off.

Piaggio Group Reports 12% Increase in Net Sales, Driven by Moto Guzzi V85TT

The Piaggio Group reported a 12% increase in consolidated net sales for the first half (H1) of 2019.
The figure results in a 29.6% increase in net profit over the same period last year.
PG cited the strong performance of the Moto Guzzi V85TT, in addition to Vespa and Piaggio scooters.

The Piaggio Group reported a 12% increase in consolidated net sales for the first half (H1) of 2019, compared to the same period last year. The conglomerate cited the Moto Guzzi V85TT as the main driving force for the uptick.

The increased net sales translate to € 817 million, up from € 729 million in H1 2018. Net profit after tax is up 29.6% at € 34.6 million, up from € 26.7 in the same period last year.

Piaggio Group (PG) owns several motorcycle brands including Aprilia, Derbi, Gilera, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio and Scarabeo. They also produce commercial vehicles. Apart from Aprilia and Moto Guzzi, the other brands produce mostly and scooters exclusively.

In any case, they shipped a total of 321,500 scooters and motorcycles in H1 2019, which a 5.7% increase from 304,000 in H1 2018.

Biggest growth was seen in the Asia Pacific region (up 20.2%), followed by a combined European and the Americas (up 6.7%) and India (up 0.5%).

PG further elaborated that the Vespa brand contributed to a 16% turnover growth. However, it was the three-wheeled Piaggio Mp3 which contributed the largest number “by more than 20%”

But there’s no hiding the success of the Moto Guzzi V85TT, which the group is using as an all-round performer against their rivals. Moto Guzzi contributed a 14% increase in revenue to the group. This is what they have to say, “…The Moto Guzzi brand… achieved a significant sales increase, generated in particular by the excellent results of the new Moto Guzzi V85TT, the all-terrain model that has enjoyed great success since it began shipping in February.”

Interestingly, PG had not published the sales performance of Moto Guzzi motorcycles prior to this. They had only stated MG sales as “encouraging” last year.

Source: Piaggio Group

BMW Motorrad Will Enter BMW S 1000 RR in 2020 FIM Endurance World Championship

BMW Motorrad confirmed their participation in the 2020 FIM Endurance World Championship (FEWC).
They will campaign the new BMW S 1000 RR.
The 2020 season starts next month with the Bol D’Or 24-hour race.

BMW Motorrad confirmed their participation in the 2020 FIM Endurance World Championship (FEWC) with full factory support. They will enter the new BMW S 1000 RR, of course.

BMW’s Big Four Japanese rivals, namely Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki are already enjoying much coverage in the series.

The German factory will join forces with the MRP team, who’ve an extensive record in working with BMW on the world stage. It’s also reported that the team will use Dunlop tyres. However, the rider line-up has yet to be announced. The FEWC is the currently the only world-stage motorcycle racing series which allows tyre manufacturers to compete.

The FIM Endurance World Championship seems to be gaining in popularity lately. This is because the series consists of bikes that are relevant to those you and I can buy at a dealership. Heck, the bikes even have working electric starters and working lights!

On the other hand, MotoGP bikes are fully prototype machines, like Formula 1 in auto racing. While much technology has trickled down to road bikes, components don’t have the same designs and may not necessarily use the same materials. The advertising copywriting may say, “Inspired by our extensive technology in MotoGP racing,” but that’s as far as it goes. Or they could produce something so exotic like the Honda RC213V, yet it’s way out of reach among 99.99999% of us mortals.

What about the World Superbike Championship (WorldSBK)? Forget it. They may look like, feel like and even smell like road bikes but their electronics rival MotoGP.

The 2020 FEWC season begins next month (September) with the Bol d’Or 24-hour race in France, followed by the Eight Hours of Sepang from 13^thto 15^thDecember. There will be another three races next year to complete the 2020 championship.

HDPJ Honours HOG PJ Riders Who Rode to Phuket Bike Week 2019

Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya (HDPJ) held a special dinner for the Harley Owners Group of Petaling Jaya (HOG PJ) riders who rode to the the Phuket Bike Week 2019 (PBW 2019).
They were also gifted an exclusive and special pin for the ride.
This was the first such program and HOG PJ looks forward to more.

Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya (HDPJ) held a special dinner over the weekend for the Harley Owners Group of Petaling Jaya (HOG PJ) riders who rode to the the Phuket Bike Week 2019 (PBW 2019).

Formally called the “Phuket Mileage Program Appreciation Dinner” HOG PJ also awarded an exclusive and special pin for the ride.

According to Juan Chow Wee, the General Manager at Didi Resources Sdn. Bhd., “Whether it is an afternoon getaway or a transcontinental journey of a lifetime, every ride you take brings us all a little closer together. With HOG, you get rewarded for doing what you already love: Riding your Harley-Davidson.”

“To appreciate our members who joined the ride to Phuket, Thailand, we hosted this dinner and award them Phuket Bike Week pins to recognize the miles traveled.”

A total of 30 HOG riders took part in the ride.

Chris Ruxton, Assistant Director of HOG PJ added, “The following program is the first to be rolled out where we provide recognition to our members clocking in the miles in an official ride. We hope to do organize more of such programs.”

Malaysian Harley-Davidson riders and HOG members have a long history of visiting the PBW (and Songkran festival). The PBW is arguably the most prestigious bike week in the region.

VIDEO: Yamaha Gen Blu Festival Participants Involved in Scary Accident

A number of Yamaha Gen Blu Festival participants were involved in accident.
The scary crash was recorded on a dashcam.
The accident was caused by a car.

A dashcam video appeared on social media showing participants of the Yamaha Gen Blu Festival involved in a serious accident. It occurred on the LDP.

It appears that a black Myvi swerved abruptly from the right lane to the left. It’s front quarter struck another car which spun the Myvi around.

The impact caught a group of riders. The first rider almost it past but was caught by the bumper and thrown off. Two of his following buddies hit the car’s front and were flung over. A fourth rider probably took the biggest impact as he t-boned the Myvi, smashing his head and upper body into the car.

The riders were wearing the T-shirts handed out at the mega Yamaha event we covered earlier today.

There’s no explanation what caused the driver to drive in such a way. There’s also no news on the bikers’ condition.

Our hearts and prayers are with then to get well soon.

We are alarmed by the increase of such drivers these days. Worse, there were trolls who blamed the entire episode on the riders despite the incontrovertible proof!

Source: Info Roadblock JPJ/Polis

Yamaha Y15ZR V2 Doxou and Yamaha NVX Doxou Launched, Record 11,836 Yamaha Bikes at Yamaha Gen Blu Festival 2019

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) launched the limited edition Yamaha Y15ZR V2 Doxou and Yamaha NVX Doxou.
They were unveiled at the Yamaha Gen Blu Festival 2019.
The festival entered the Malaysian Book of Records with the largest number – 11,836 – of Yamaha motorcycles in one place.

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) launched the limited edition Yamaha Y15ZR V2 Doxou and Yamaha NVX Doxou at the Yamaha Gen Blu Festival 2019. The festival also saw the biggest attendance of 11,836 Yamaha motorcycles in one place thereby earning a spot in the Malaysia Book of Records.

The Y15ZR V2 Doxou and NVX Doxou represent not only lines of limited edition motorcycles, but also a complete lifestyle. That’s because the Doxou family encompasses a complete collection of official apparel and merchandise.

Additionally, each owner receive exclusive premium gift set which consists of specially-designed Doxou headphones and keychain. But more importantly, he/she also receives an exclusive certificate inscribed with the specific bike’s chassis and engine numbers. Great collector’s item and resale value, eh?

The Y15ZR V2 Doxou is priced at RM 8,868 (selling price) and will be available from dealers beginning mid-August. Pricing and availability of the NVX Doxou will be announced at a later date.

Meanwhile, the Yamaha Gen Blue Festival 2019 was a huge success. Apart from seeing the largest get-together, there were also a wide array of activities for both Yamaha owners and their families.

The attendees came in through convoys organised in different regions of the country.

To begin, the Yamaha Gallery showcased the 40 years of HLYM’s electrifying growth and success in Malaysia.

Bikes displayed include legends that ruled the Malaysian roads such as the RX-100, RX-Z, SRZ110, TZM150, 125Z, before progressing to the new bikes. There were also race classic race bikes such as the YZF-750, TZ-250, YZR-500.

HLYM also set up test rides, a bike clinic, NVX Challenge race, special sale of merchandise besides parts and accessories.

There was also a hotly contested custom bike competition. It was divided into different categories. The entries were dazzling. There were YZF-R25s dressed up like superbikes, a YZF-R15 which looked exactly like a YZF-R1M complete with wide tyres and Akrapovic race exhaust, Y15ZRs that were completely kitted out; superbly restored RZ-350LC Eddie Lawson Edition; the list goes on and on.

Many vendors also made their presence, providing a whole range of products and services.

Lucky draws were carried out by Hong Leong Yamaha throughout the day. A lucky soul went home with the Grand Prize of an MT-09.

Don’t despair if you missed this great event. Be prepared for an even bigger one in 2020. (But first, look out for the HLYM Malaysian MotoGP convoy!)

Ducati 916 Belonging to Massimo Tamburini On Display in Ducati Museum

Massimo Tamburini’s personal Ducati 916 prototype is on display in the Ducati Museum.
It is one of three which he developed into the production model.
The display commemorates the 25^thanniversary of the model.

The late Massimo Tamburini richly derserves the title as the best motorcycle stylist. It was his work in producing the Ducati 916 which transformed how all bikes look these days.

Now one of his three prototype Ducati 916 is on display in the Ducati Museum at Borgo Panigale.

Tamburini took six years to develop the bike. The aerodynamics and chassis were all done through personal expertise and experience on the roads around Rimini, besides the Mugello and Misano circuits He never used the wind tunnel once. Tamburini was one of the founders and partners at Bimota and brought his speciality in designing the frame and chassis.

No one in the wildest dreams could probably think such a machine could dominate the World Superbike Series, given the way it was developed. And it was the 916 which secured Ducati’s name as a prestigious motorcycle manufacturer.

Sadly, Massimo Tamburini passed away in 2014 before the 25^thanniversary of the Ducati 916. Ducati produced a limited run of the Panigale V4 25th Anniversario 916 to commemorate the historic model.

His legacy lives in this machine displayed in the museum. It’s of the 916 SP version which features the top-shelve components such as Brembo Gold Line brakes, Ohlins suspension, five-spoke magnesium wheels, carbon fibre Termignoni exhaust silencers, lightened single-side swingarm, etc. The bike has only a tachometer and water temperature gauge.

Hafizh Syahrin Eyeing Moto2 Seat in 2020

Hafizh Syahrin said that he is currently talking to two or three Moto2 teams for 2020.
He currently without a ride in the MotoGP class next year.
His hopes are either the KTM Tech 3 or PETRONAS SRT Moto2 team.

Hafizh Syahrin said that he is currently talking to two or three Moto2 teams for 2020.

His team Red Bull KTM Tech 3 Racing announced that current factory Moto2 rider Brad Binder will replace Hafizh next year. Unfortunately, all seats in the 2020 MotoGP season are taken, hence Hafizh had to look to the category from where he progressed into MotoGP.

Hafizh had progressed steadily in Moto2 before being tapped by the Tech 3 team in 2018. Back then, he and teammate Johann Zarco rode the Yamaha YZR-M1. Team principal Herve Poncharal decided to swith to KTM for the 2019 season after being promised factory machinery and support, something which Yamaha hadn’t done despite Tech 3 being their partner for more than 20 years.

Apart from Pol Espargaro who had been the KTM factory rider since the start, all three new signings namely Johann Zarco, Miguel Oliveira and Hafizh suffered. It was especially difficult for Zarco and Hafizh to accustom themselves to the aggressive KTM RC16 MotoGP racebike, given their super-smooth riding style.

He is now hoping to join either the KTM Tech 3 or PETRONAS SRT team in Moto2. The KTM team uses their own chassis, while the PETRONAS team uses the Kalex chassis. However, since there is currently only one bike in the PETRONAS team, it remains to be seen if they will add another bike or promote a Moto3 rider to the seat.

Bikesrepublic

Wahid Ooi

There are formal procedures in importing helmets into Malaysia for distribution and sales.

This was why the Customs Department warned against self-importation.

The procedures are centred around motorcycle helmets being safety related items.

What started it all?

Why are imported helmets regulated?

The Procedures

STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3

JPJ Warning

Other points

How does this affect you and I?

The Aprilia Central Riding Club (ACRC) and Desmo Owners Club Malaysia (DOCM) held a “live” MotoGP viewing to celebrate their Italian motorcycle kinship.

Together, they watched the Czech MotoGP over the weekend.

On another note, Didi Resources is offering a special Service Clinic and Merdeka Campaign to Aprilia owners.

The 2019 Yamaha YZF-R25 takes a cue from the YZF-R6 and YZF-R1 for its styling.

The updated suspension gives the bike much better handling.

However, the frame and engine remain the same.

Styling

Instrumentation, electrics

Riding the 2019 Yamaha YZF-R25

Conclusion

A new Triumph Tiger was caught undergoing tests recently.

The new bike looks new altogether.

It should be unveiled at EICMA in November, at the earliest.

Day 8 of the GIVI Malaysian Adventure 2019 was scheduled to coincide with the GIVI Rimba Raid at Janda Baik 2019 from the very start.

It was GIVI’s second year of involvement with Rimba Raid.

The overworked GIVI and Rimba Raid crews did a superb job to prepare the event.

The Piaggio Group reported a 12% increase in consolidated net sales for the first half (H1) of 2019.

The figure results in a 29.6% increase in net profit over the same period last year.

PG cited the strong performance of the Moto Guzzi V85TT, in addition to Vespa and Piaggio scooters.

BMW Motorrad confirmed their participation in the 2020 FIM Endurance World Championship (FEWC).

They will campaign the new BMW S 1000 RR.

The 2020 season starts next month with the Bol D’Or 24-hour race.

Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya (HDPJ) held a special dinner for the Harley Owners Group of Petaling Jaya (HOG PJ) riders who rode to the the Phuket Bike Week 2019 (PBW 2019).

They were also gifted an exclusive and special pin for the ride.

This was the first such program and HOG PJ looks forward to more.

A number of Yamaha Gen Blu Festival participants were involved in accident.

The scary crash was recorded on a dashcam.

The accident was caused by a car.

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) launched the limited edition Yamaha Y15ZR V2 Doxou and Yamaha NVX Doxou.

They were unveiled at the Yamaha Gen Blu Festival 2019.

The festival entered the Malaysian Book of Records with the largest number – 11,836 – of Yamaha motorcycles in one place.

Massimo Tamburini’s personal Ducati 916 prototype is on display in the Ducati Museum.

It is one of three which he developed into the production model.

The display commemorates the 25th anniversary of the model.

Hafizh Syahrin said that he is currently talking to two or three Moto2 teams for 2020.

He currently without a ride in the MotoGP class next year.

His hopes are either the KTM Tech 3 or PETRONAS SRT Moto2 team.

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The display commemorates the 25^thanniversary of the model.